*Deep Sigh*
Every Time Stacey Dash Proved She Was Clueless: https://t.co/mto8DSxVhe pic.twitter.com/NBDorO6Jna
— BET (@BET) January 20, 2016
We really hate that Stacey Dash has taken us all the way here. And by here, we mean this place where we are forced to speak out against a fellow woman of color because she made negative and disgraceful comments. Above all, we are advocates for women – ALL women. We like to leap for joy when women accomplish great things and break barriers, such as being confirmed as federal judges (shoutout to Judge Wilhemina Wright, the first black woman confirmed as federal judge in the state of Minnesota just a few days ago – we salute you!), and support and empower women in every way. But what we won’t do is overlook Stacey Dash’s foolishness and tomfoolery. If you haven’t seen the clip, click here.
This reminds us all too well of some older, female law firm partners who have internalized the misogynistic practices that stole their freedom and individuality years ago, and now perpetuate and enforce these same policies against young associates. They believe that since they slept on a cot, waited until partnership to have children and worked 22.5 hour days, that young, female associates today have to do the same thing in order to succeed. This sets the gender equality fight back decades!
Similarly, in the diversity world, what Stacey Dash did yesterday is the most egregious, card-revoking action in the book – she perpetuated the myth that celebrating black people and culture is to the exclusion of everyone else. Y’all know you’ve heard it before – it’s the typical “All Lives Matter” rhetoric that says that if any group other than mainstream America is getting some shine, recognition or attention, it must be to the exclusion and/or detriment to white America. And according to Stacey Dash’s illogical logic, if we want integration, we can’t also support segregation or BET and black history month.
*Blank Stare* Stacey Dash said we have to choose, y’all. Either we want February to be our month or we don’t.
This might come as a surprise to Stacey Dash, but integration doesn’t mean complete assimilation and white-washing such that we can’t celebrate or acknowledge black people and our accomplishments. People of color can be fully integrated into American society and still celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and black history month. And have awards shows that focus on the talents and achievements of people of color. And have a channel that is dedicated to highlighting people of color. We can do all of this without harming or excluding white Americans. By celebrating ourselves and our achievements, we take nothing away from other cultures and people. There is more than enough room for us to celebrate all people. We’re definitely not assimilating and giving up February and BET just because Stacey Dash said so.
America is the most unique melting pot in the world because of our diversity. Celebration of our differences is the very essence of what makes us great. Duh, Stacey Dash. Duh. Diversity is what makes art beautiful and businesses successful.
Find yourself agreeing with Stacey Dash? Yes? You might be ill or at least suffering from irrational thoughts that indisputably push the diversity needle backwards. Don’t worry, we can cure you – See. Live. Embrace Diversity. You’re Welcome.
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